10 Apr
Anyone who has been separated from their pet knows the sinking feeling it brings. Stress, panic, and that helpless loop of "what if?". While a pet collar might help in certain cases, it is far from foolproof. Collars can break, fall off, or be removed. The real solution? Pet microchipping. In Dubai, microchipping is not just a safety measure, it is also a legal and logistical requirement if you plan on travelling with your pet or registering them officially.
A pet microchip is a small electronic chip, measuring about the size of a grain of rice. It is implanted just beneath your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades, using a simple injection like a routine vaccination.
Each chip carries a Unique Identification Number (UIN) that links directly to a centralized database. This number does not change and cannot be duplicated. The chip does not require any batteries or charging, as it simply holds your pet’s ID number, which can be scanned by a vet or municipal clinic and matched with your contact details.
This is where people face some confusion. A pet microchip does not function as a GPS tracker. It will not tell you where your pet is in real-time. It only works when a scanner reads the chip and accesses your contact info through a database.
If you want real-time tracking, you will need to invest in a GPS-enabled collar. But for ownership verification, microchips are the gold standard and the legal norm when it comes to registering your pet with your local council/municipality/government.
Microchipping is also a legal requirement for international pet relocation from Dubai. The government, airlines, and destination country will all require you to microchip your pet. If not, your pet will not be permitted by MOCCAE to leave Dubai.
An important thing to remember is that the chip alone is just a number. Unless it is linked to your information in the Dubai Municipality’s Veterinary Database, it is basically useless in helping your pet get home.
When a lost pet is found and taken to a vet or municipal clinic, they scan the microchip. Provided the pet microchip is registered, your name, number, and address pop up. If it is not, there is no way to trace the pet back to you.
This is why registration is key. It turns a microchip from a passive implant into an active tool for pet recovery and legal identification. It is also why registering your pet’s microchip before an international pet relocation from Dubai is crucial.
Registering your pet is a multi-step process that involves both medical documentation and an official submission to the municipality.
Here's the process, step-by-step:
Start with a vet visit to get the microchip implanted. Most clinics in Dubai offer this service.
Post-microchipping, your pet must undergo a general health check and receive all required vaccinations.
This document verifies that your pet is healthy and disease-free. It’s necessary for registration and especially for pet travel.
You will need:
Bring your documents to one of Dubai’s designated municipal vet clinics. The staff will assist with the next steps.
The fee depends on the type of pet and whether it’s a new registration or renewal. Staff will guide you through payment options.
Once approved, you will be issued an official certificate. This certificate proves ownership, confirms microchip registration, and is often required for travel or legal matters involving your pet.
Microchipping in Dubai is not just about security; it is part of a broader legal and health framework that promotes responsible pet ownership. When paired with proper registration, a microchip becomes a reliable safety net, making sure that your pet has a way back home if they ever get lost.
It’s simple: microchip your pet, keep their health records current, register them with the Dubai Municipality, and keep that certificate on hand. Whether you are travelling, relocating, or just ensuring your pet’s safety, this process is essential. In the long run, a little planning today can save a whole lot of heartache tomorrow.
AUTHOR’S BIO
ARSH BHARDWAJ
I am passionate about language, storytelling and the human urge to connect Having paid close attention to marketing and branding as a craft for some time, I'm eager as ever to indulge my passion for prose.